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 News from Around the Americas | June 2007 
Candidates Sound Off on Immigration in California Campaign Swings
 Associated Press
| | Senator John McCain speaks at a news conference Tuesday, June 12, 2007, in San Francisco. McCain said he believes that a comprehensive reform plan could still pass in the Senate. (Associated Press/George Nikitin) |
San Francisco - Republican presidential contender John McCain voiced optimism that President Bush could salvage his comprehensive immigration reform plan as several candidates canvassed California for money and votes Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after a morning fundraiser, McCain said the Senate could pass a bill before the Fourth of July recess despite objections from conservatives who condemn the reforms as amnesty.
"If you call anything short of rounding up 12 million people and deporting them amnesty, then OK," McCain said. "But this proposal in my view in no way meets the definition of amnesty."
Since moving its presidential primary from June to Feb. 5, California has been barraged with visits by candidates from both parties who see the state as make-or-break for their bids - and a source of considerable campaign cash.
Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson spoke out on immigration at a Sacramento fundraiser Tuesday during a three-day swing through the state. Richardson echoed other Democrats in criticizing part of the Bush plan that would limit preferential visas for families of immigrants.
"The provision, specifically, that says we're going to consider job skills over family reunification is a provision that goes against all of our past immigration," the New Mexico governor told reporters at a downtown Mexican restaurant.
In Los Angeles, Sen. Barack Obama arrived in a hulking Chevrolet SUV for a news conference to promote alternative fuels. He alluded to the irony, but went on to say he would change policies if elected to increase the use of cleaner-burning energy.
"I showed up at this event in a government vehicle that doesn't have a flexible-fuel tank. When I'm president, I'll make sure that every vehicle purchased by the federal government does," Obama said.
He called on President Bush to exert his influence over recalcitrant Republicans to hasten the passage of immigration reform.
"I hope that the president is able to persuade members in his party that have been trying to use this as a political football to come back to table, arrive at a reasonable set of amendments so we can actually get something passed," Obama said. |
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